First Hand strikes French deal for Bergman's Video with Pretty Pictures

Swiss-based First Hand Films has struck a deal with French distributor Pretty Pictures for the documentary Bergman’s Video.

Pretty Pictures has secured all exclusive distribution rights to the documentary series and the feature film for theatrical release, DVD/VOD and TV for France.  The theatrical release in France is scheduled for second half 2013.  

The project, which is available as 6 x 45’, 90’ and 120’, is a Gadda Five Production with Sweden’s SVT. It is currently in production.

“Bergman’s Video is a dream come true, an homage to cinema.  Not only do we get to know what grand emotions fuel the filmmakers, we can actually watch them tell us the stories in their own words.  We are also excited to be in a position to bring this to the big screen with Pretty Pictures on board, and we look forward to sharing this unique viewing experience with audiences worldwide,” said Esther van Messel, CEO, First Hand Films.

“We are thrilled to be in business with First Hand Films and the whole production team of Bergman’s Video. This is truly an exceptional and original large scale project, which will attract a broad spectrum of viewers in both cinemas (with the feature version) and on TV (with the 6 hour version), not to mention all the DVD possibilities. The A list directors and actors who have agreed to participate, and the oh so cult film clips which will be included, are simply awe inspiring. This is the true homage to Ingmar Bergman we have all been waiting for,” added James Velaise, President, Pretty Pictures.

The documentary has exclusive access to Ingmar Bergman’s private video archive with more than 1,500 films. Contributors to the project include Woody Allen, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Robert D Niro, Laura Dern, Ridley Scott, Ang Lee, Terry Gilliam, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Isabella Rossellini.